Housing costs in Victoria
Similar to Toronto, Victoria has a competitive housing and real estate market.
The average home prices in Victoria can be higher than the national average, but they tend to be lower than in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. This is due to the city’s attractiveness as a place to live, thanks to its stunning landscapes, mild climate, and a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities.
Cost of rent in Victoria, CA
|
Area/Neighborhood |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
Victoria (Outside of Center) |
$1,839.34 |
$3,295.16 |
Cost of buying a property in Victoria
|
Area/Neighborhood |
Average home price |
|
Victoria |
$888,000 |
Utility costs in Victoria: Internet, electricity and water
Whether you own a house or rent in Victoria, BC, utility costs are a significant aspect of your budget. In British Columbia, electricity is environmentally friendly, primarily sourced from clean and renewable sources.
Knowing the average costs of utilities can be really helpful in reducing your usage and saving money, especially with your electricity bill. By tracking your electricity usage, you can save a few dollars each year.
Here is the monthly average cost of a basic utility package for a 915 sq. ft apartment in Victoria, covering electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage, and internet services:
|
Utilities |
Cost |
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
$213.23 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
$113.93 |
|
Total |
$327.16 |
Grocery costs in Victoria
Grocery costs in Victoria are affordable due to tax exemptions on essential items like dairy, eggs, cereals, veggies, meat, and more at supermarkets and grocery stores.
|
Grocery items in Victoria |
Cost |
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
$12.98 |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
$3.82 |
|
Rice (white) (1 lb) |
$2.32 |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
$5.16 |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
$9.08 |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
$8.72 |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) |
$9.55 |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
$2.51 |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
$0.85 |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
$2.56 |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
$3.17 |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
$2.36 |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
$2.00 |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
$3.61 |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
$20.00 |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
$3.30 |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
$4.36 |
Public transit in Victoria
The transit service operating within the city of Victoria is managed by BC Transit. Their fleet includes high capacity double-decker buses, medium-duty buses, and light-duty buses.
When you want to take the bus, be sure to have your money ready before getting on. If you’re paying with cash, make sure you have the right amount because bus drivers don’t give change.
Also, if you want to buy a DayPASS for unlimited daily travel at a lower cost.
For details on fare rates, please refer to the table below.
|
Type of fare |
Rate |
|
Single ticket |
$2.50 |
|
10 tickets |
$22.50 |
|
Daily pass |
$5.00 |
|
Monthly pass |
$85.00 |
BC Transit service (Sept 2023)
Entertainment costs in Victoria
Victoria combines natural beauty with cultural richness. The “City of Gardens” has captivating attractions like Butchart Gardens, the Royal BC Museum for history buffs, and the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel.
For those who love the outdoor activities, you can escape to Beacon Hill Park, go on whale-watching adventures, and enjoy activities such as hiking and kayaking.
In the table below, you can find insights into entertainment costs in Victoria:
|
Entertainment in Victoria |
Cost |
|
Mid-range restaurant meal |
$50.00 |
|
Taxi 1h |
$45.00 |
|
1 cinema ticket |
$15.00 |
|
Total |
$110.00 |
Sales tax in Victoria
Canada has three types of sales taxes that vary by province. In British Columbia, there’s the provincial PST and the federal GST, which are set at about 7% and 5%, respectively, totaling 12% and applying to purchases of goods and services.
While some items, like basic groceries and sometimes feminine hygiene products, are exempt from sales taxes, the rate for other products depends on the specific province.
Government of Canada (Sept 2023) & Government of BC (Sept 2023)
Healthcare costs in Victoria
If you decide to call Victoria home, it’s good to know about British Columbia’s public healthcare. The Medical Services Plan (MSP) takes care of important medical expenses like doctor visits, maternity care, and tests like lab work and x-rays to its residents. But it doesn’t cover things like regular dental check-ups, eye care, alternative treatments, or prescription drugs.
In this case, you have the option to purchase private health insurance or use your employer-sponsored plan.
Here’s a glimpse:
|
Type of healthcare |
Cost |
|
Employer-sponsored health insurance |
$63.00 |
|
Non-employer-sponsored health insurance |
$82.20-$191.60 |
|
Gym |
$75.63 |
Numbeo (Sept 2023), Hellosafe (2023) & Insurance Business (Apr 2023)
Conclusion
Moving to Victoria, British Columbia is a great chance for a fantastic life with beautiful nature, nice weather, lots of outdoor fun, and good job opportunities.
If you’re all set to move to the “Garden City”, it’s a good idea to look up the best moving companies in Victoria in advance. This will make your move easier and less stressful.
Here is a summary of the cost of living for a single person in Victoria for 2024:
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$1,839.34 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list |
$385.40 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$213.23 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$113.93 |
|
Transit pass |
$85.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$110.00 |
|
Gym membership |
$75.63 |
|
Total |
$2,822.53 |
